What Is Identity Fraud?
Identity fraud is when someone uses your personal details to get money, credit, goods or services. The main types, the warning signs, and the first steps if it happens to you.
Identity fraud happens when someone uses your personal details, such as your name, date of birth, address, ID number or bank details, to get something in your name: credit, loans, goods, benefits, refunds or services. You may not find out until a letter arrives about a debt you never took on.
The main types
| Type | What happens |
|---|---|
| New account fraud | Bank accounts, credit cards, loans or phone contracts opened in your name. See account opened in my name. |
| Account takeover | Criminals take control of your existing accounts. See account takeover. |
| Tax and benefit fraud | Refunds or benefits claimed in your name. See tax identity fraud. |
| Medical identity theft | Your identity used for treatment or prescriptions. See medical identity theft. |
| Synthetic identity fraud | Real and fake details combined into a new identity. See synthetic identity fraud. |
| Employment fraud | Someone works using your ID or tax number. See employment identity fraud. |
Where criminals get your details
- Data breaches and phishing.
- Stolen post, wallets, phones and documents.
- Social media and people-search sites.
- ID copies sent to fake employers, landlords or lenders.
Warning signs
- Letters, emails or calls about accounts, loans or debts you do not recognise.
- Credit applications or searches on your credit record you did not make.
- Expected post or cards not arriving.
- Being refused credit unexpectedly.
- Tax or benefit letters about claims you did not make.
Act quickly when you see a sign. The sooner you contact the organization involved, the easier it is to close accounts and clear your name.
First steps
- Contact the organization where the fraud happened using official contact details.
- Check your credit record. See checking your credit record.
- Consider a credit freeze or fraud alert. See credit freezes explained.
- Report it to your national service. See reporting identity theft.
- Start a log of everything. See keeping a log.
Got a letter or message about an account you do not recognise? Paste the text into CyberWatch AI Scan for a free check. Some are scams themselves.
For the full process, see how to respond to identity fraud in our complete guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between identity theft and identity fraud?
Identity theft is stealing your personal details. Identity fraud is using them to obtain money, credit, goods or services. The terms are often used interchangeably.
How do I know if my identity has been used?
Common signs include letters or calls about accounts or debts you do not recognise, credit applications you did not make, missing post, and unexpected changes to your accounts.
Who should I contact first?
The organization where the fraud happened, such as the bank or lender, then your national identity theft or fraud reporting service.
Sources
- What To Know About Identity Theft, US Federal Trade Commission
- IdentityTheft.gov, US Federal Trade Commission
- Protective Registration, Cifas (UK)
